Deflection measurement device for flexible piping
OwnerRodney G. Powers, Robert M. Langleyinventors
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mechanical inspection sled which can be pushed through a pipeline using a series of connecting rigid rods. Mechanical measuring devices are mounted on the sled. These devices deflect when the pipe's internal diameter decreases. The deflection is visually observable by the user through a series of reflective indicators. The measuring devices are sufficiently pliable to allow the sled to pass beyond distorted areas and complete a full inspection of the pipeline. The measurement devices are adjustable to allow the sled to be used in many different pipe sizes. Because the device is purely mechanical, it is quite rugged and able to withstand harsh environments.
Claims12
A pipeline inspection device allowing a user to visibly inspect for deformation of a pipeline, with said pipeline having an internal diameter generally composed of a bottom region, a first side region, a second side region, and a top region, and having a horizontal diameter and a vertical diameter, comprising:
- a. a base portion, having a forward end and a rear end, configured to move along said bottom region of said internal diameter so that it lies on said vertical diameter;
- b. a lateral fixed hoop, oriented horizontally, and being mounted to said base portion by conventional rigid means so that said lateral fixed hoop lies on said horizontal diameter, with a portion of said lateral fixed hoop extending outward far enough from said base portion to contact said first side region of said internal diameter;
- c. a lateral test hoop, being mounted to said base portion by conventional flexible means, so that said lateral test hoop lies on said horizontal diameter, with a portion of said lateral fixed hoop extending outward far enough from said base portion to contact said second side region of said internal diameter, and wherein said lateral test hoop is free to elastically move inward when said inspection device encounters a reduction in said horizontal diameter;
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- d. visual indication means capable of indicating to said user when said lateral test hoop moves inward.
A pipeline inspection device allowing a user to visibly inspect for deformation of a pipeline, with said pipeline having an internal diameter generally composed of a bottom region, a first side region, a second side region, and a top region, and having a horizontal diameter and a vertical diameter, comprising:
- a. a base portion, having a forward end and a rear end, configured to move along said bottom region of said internal diameter so that it lies on said vertical diameter;
- b. a vertical test hoop, having a forward end and a rear end, oriented vertically, and being mounted to said base portion by conventional flexible means, so that said vertical test hoop lies on said vertical diameter, with a portion of said vertical test hoop extending outward far enough from said base portion to contact said top region of said internal diameter, and wherein said vertical test hoop is free to elastically move downward when said inspection device encounters a reduction in said vertical diameter of said pipeline;
- and
- c. visual indication means capable of indicating to said user when said vertical test hoop moves downward.
A pipeline inspection device allowing a user to visibly inspect for deformation of a pipeline, with said pipeline having an internal diameter generally composed of a bottom region, a first side region, a second side region, and a top region, and having a horizontal diameter and a vertical diameter, comprising:
- a. a base portion, having a forward end and a rear end, configured to move along said bottom region of said internal diameter so that it lies on said vertical diameter;
- b. a first lateral fixed hoop, oriented horizontally, and being mounted to said base portion by conventional rigid means so that said first lateral fixed hoop lies on said horizontal diameter, with a portion of said first lateral fixed hoop extending outward far enough from said base portion to contact said first side region of said internal diameter;
- c. a second lateral fixed hoop, oriented horizontally, and being mounted to said base portion by conventional rigid means so that said second lateral fixed hoop lies on said horizontal diameter, with a portion of said second lateral fixed hoop extending outward far enough from said base portion to contact said second side region of said internal diameter;
- d. a flex mast, oriented vertically, having a contact point on its upper extremity, wherein said flex mast is mounted to said base portion so that said flex mast lies on said vertical diameter;
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- e. visual indication means capable of indicating to said user when said contact point encounters a reduction in said vertical diameter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.